KERRVILLE, Texas – The City of Kerrville issued a disaster declaration amid catastrophic flooding that resulted in at least 43 fatalities and evacuations along the Guadalupe River.
The declaration, ordered by Mayor Joe Herring Jr., activates the city’s emergency management plan.
>> Fatalities confirmed in Kerr County flooding along Guadalupe River, sheriff’s office says
According to the declaration, Herring “determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering of people and to protect or rehabilitate property.”
Heavy rain moved through the Texas Hill Country Thursday night into Friday morning.
KSAT meteorologists said 10 to 12 inches of rain fell in the area, prompting severe flooding along the Guadalupe River.
Leitha said they are still notifying next-of-kin of the victims, so they won’t release identities at the moment.
“The entire county is an extremely active scene,” the sheriff’s office wrote on Facebook.
Residents in the area are urged to shelter in place and not travel. People living near creeks, streams and the Guadalupe River should move to higher ground.
KCSO spokesperson Clint Morris told KSAT it is “an extremely active scene, countywide.”
“This may be a once-in-a-lifetime flood” for the county, he said, adding that they’ve responded to multiple calls for high-water rescues. People should avoid traveling west of Ingram near the Guadalupe River.
KCSO has been working to evacuate people on State Highway 39 near the Guadalupe River in Hunt amid major flooding.
Fourth of July events in Kerrville have been canceled, according to Stuary Cunyus, a public information officer for the city.
Cunyus said Louise Hays Park, where an event was planned, is currently flooded. The city is encouraging residents to exercise caution on the roads and to avoid low-water crossings.
Below are some of the roads closed in the area:
- Arcadia Loop
- Most of Thompson Drive
- Guadalupe Street
- Rio Robles
- Riverside Drive
KSAT has several crews scattered across Kerr County and will bring the latest information as it becomes available.
Read more: